‘Medical Complete’ – Man City Set to Announce New Summer Signing | OneFootball

Ait Nouri Signing Adds Depth and Versatility to City’s Left Flank

Deal Close for Wolves Defender

Manchester City’s latest recruitment drive has led them to Molineux. As reported by Sky Sports, “Manchester City have agreed a deal worth up to £36.3m for Wolves left-back Rayan Ait Nouri, who has completed his medical and is set to sign a five-year contract at the Etihad.” The deal, initially worth £31m, is expected to be completed in time for the player to be registered before Tuesday’s 7pm deadline, enabling him to feature in the Club World Cup.

Ait Nouri, still just 23, has been a standout performer for Wolves in recent seasons. His combination of attacking flair and defensive diligence has marked him as one of the most consistent full-backs outside the traditional ‘big six’. That City have moved swiftly and decisively underlines their desire to strengthen key areas before a busy international schedule resumes.

Photo: IMAGO

Proven Premier League Performer

The Algerian international has amassed 157 appearances for Wolves since arriving from Angers in 2020. With 12 goals and 19 assists to his name, Ait Nouri has contributed far beyond the conventional duties of a left-back. His work rate, positional intelligence and comfort in possession make him a natural fit for Pep Guardiola’s system, where full-backs are often asked to play as auxiliary midfielders or invert into central spaces.

The deal also benefits his former club, with Sky Sports confirming that “Angers will be due around £9.7m after they negotiated a 50 per cent sell-on clause.” It is a smart return for a club known for nurturing young talent.

Player Focused on Algeria

Despite the noise surrounding his imminent move, Ait Nouri has maintained professionalism while on international duty. “For now I am concentrating on Algeria national team, the important thing is the two next matches,” he said. Asked about Pep Guardiola, the left-back added: “Yes, everyone knows that he is a great coach. After that, I said the most important thing is to concentrate on the national team.”

Photo: IMAGO

His measured tone offers a glimpse into the maturity City are signing, a player grounded in his current task yet poised for the next challenge. Guardiola’s influence is magnetic, and Ait Nouri’s admiration is clear without being overblown.

Timing and Tactical Fit

City’s desire to wrap up the transfer quickly points to tactical intent. With injuries and fixture congestion a constant concern, especially heading into the Club World Cup, adding a player with Ait Nouri’s pedigree strengthens not just the left-back slot, but Guardiola’s ability to rotate effectively.

Whether used as cover for Josko Gvardiol or in a hybrid role alongside John Stones and Kyle Walker, Ait Nouri brings agility, vision, and confidence in high-pressure phases of play. His adaptability could allow City to explore new shapes, a Guardiola hallmark, without compromising their rhythm or tempo.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

The acquisition of Rayan Ait Nouri feels like another calculated move in a strategy defined by control and foresight. While the club has rarely suffered from a shortage of talent, recent injuries and a demanding fixture list have exposed the need for greater squad flexibility, particularly on the left.

Ait Nouri is more than just a stop-gap or rotation option. At 23, he’s entering the most important development stage of his career, and there’s a sense that Guardiola sees the kind of raw tools he can refine into something exceptional.

The fee, while significant, sits within the kind of structure City have mastered, paying for potential and proven domestic experience. And with Ait Nouri’s calm, composed public statements while on Algeria duty, fans will also be encouraged by his mentality.

If registered in time for the Club World Cup, he’ll get an early taste of silverware opportunities. But more importantly, he represents another smart piece of City’s long-term puzzle.